"Fish-Out-of-Water" Finds Home in Journalism Community

Californians are really good at proving stereotypes true. Whichever state we find ourselves in, it seems like we are always over-comparing it to home, and telling everyone how great it is in "Cali," an abbreviation no self-respecting Californian would ever use.

In the fast-paced Golden State, it is sometimes easy to forget the diverse cultures within our country. Here at the Reynolds Institute, however, we all find ourselves from all corners of the country and everywhere in between, merging cultures and having conversations. 

Krystin Pinckard of Arizona shares stories about
her school with Kari Koshiol of Minnesota.

The interesting part, though, is that, regardless of these differences from state to state, and regardless of the regional customs and accents, we discuss issues that transcend any state boundary: student annoyances, pride in our students and the joys and stresses of being a publication adviser.

While passing a group of advisers having a conversation at the Reynolds Institute, it is expected to hear about "this one time" the editor-in-chief saved the publication from embarrassment or "this other time" someone almost published a page with a headline that still said "Headline Here."

The Reynolds Institute is a great place for us because it reminds advisers that we all have so much in common, regardless of miles between our schools. Here, there is proof that we are not alone in how hard we work, and more importantly, our motives for working so hard. The Institute reminds us that we are providing an invaluable service for our communities and our students.

Coming together from as far as we have has given and will continue to give us chances to share cultures, stories and advice. For that, this stereotypical California surfer boy is very thankful.

Bobby Oliver
San Pasqual High School
Escondido, Calif.